Accreditation reaffirmed with zero recommendations, zero findings

GRAMBLING, LA – December 8, 2020 – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has reaffirmed Grambling State University’s accreditation for another 10 years.

The action was taken on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the organization’s annual meeting, which was held virtually this year because of COVID-19.

While many of the University’s programs also hold specialized accreditations in their particular fields, the most widely recognized affirmation for the institution comes from SACSCOC.

Following an initial off-site review in fall 2019, a SACSCOC reaffirmation on-site review committee spent two days at Grambling State in March 2020 to conduct a detailed analysis and examination of documents and physical evidence related to its standards of compliance.

Members of the on-site team also met with faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, Board of Supervisors, and Board of Regents members. At the end of the visit, the on-site team met with President Gallot and other key administrators to summarize their findings.

The chair of the team indicated the university had been found to be in compliance with all core requirements and standards.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms the strength of our legacy and viability of our future,” said Grambling State University President Rick Gallot. “The outcome is a direct product of the faculty, staff, and administrators that work tirelessly to achieve the mission of Grambling State University by preparing students to become the next generation of leaders.”

“The university had to respond to 73 questions and provide evidence of compliance,” Provost Dr. Connie Walton said. “These questions resulted in a review of all divisions at the university. It is extremely unusual for an institution to be found in compliance with all standards by the time the on-site team leaves the university. This was a huge accomplishment for the university. This is a testament to the fact that faculty, staff and administrators are advancing the mission of Grambling State University in daily operations by using best practices that are in alignment with SACSCOC standards.”

When an institution has earned accreditation by SACSCOC, it signifies that it has “a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose.” In addition to ensuring that its institutions provide quality programs for students, which determines eligibility for Title IV funds (student financial aid), SACSCOC works to influence legislation and regulations that impact the work of its member institutions.

As a part of the reaffirmation process, Grambling State University will be required to submit a Fifth Year Report that focuses on select standards.

For more information, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu.

About SACSCOC

Founded in 1895, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is comprised of the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI) and the Commission on Colleges (COC). The Commission on Colleges was founded in 1917 and was organized to develop standards and a process for accrediting colleges and universities in the South.

SACSCOC has the responsibility for assuring the educational quality and improvement of the effectiveness of member institutions located throughout 11 southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia), several international institutions and all of their approved locations (including branch campuses and off-campus instructional sites irrespective of their location) that grant associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

The SACSCOC accrediting process and all of its policies, processes, procedures, and decisions are based on the concepts of integrity or dealing openly and honestly with its member institutions and quality or an on-going program of improvement that ensures fulfillment of their stated mission.

About Grambling State University

Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901 that combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. This combination enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.